Freezing Bills Not People!

Labour's plan to freeze energy bills until 2017

 

 

Rebecca  with councillors Robin, Greg and Debbie in the town centre

As residents in Redditch face 10% increases in their energy bills this winter, today Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson hit the streets to ask locals whether they support an immediate price freeze for gas and electric.

Rebecca says "Under the Conservative led government gas and electricity bills have gone up £300 for the average household.  With the cost of living rising faster than wages people are worried how they will stay warm in the coming winter months.

 

 

“One resident voiced their anger that bills only go up, when the price of energy drops our bill doesn't go down.  Another family said they are already struggling to make ends meet and increasing fuel bills are a real worry".

 

 

“If Labour win the next general election, we will freeze prices until the start of 2017, this will save a typical household £120 and an average business £1,800.  We will create a new energy regulator that protects consumers and businesses from outrageous price hikes and we will break up the big energy companies .

 

 

“However, people in Redditch need help now.  So I’m calling on David Cameron to freeze our bills now.  And I’m asking local people to sign my petition so that the voices of Redditch are heard loud and clear in Downing Street”.

Syria

Syria came upon my radar during the onset of the Arab Spring in the Middle East.  However, President Assad's response to civil unrest has proved very different to that of neighbouring countries and since 2011 the death toll is near 100,000 and around 1 million people having been displaced. 

The 21st of August saw suspected chemical weapons used against the Syrian people resulting in at least 355 fatalities.  Tragically, not the first report of chemical weapons being used in Syria this year.  While Assad denies that the Government are behind the attacks, America believe that only Assad has the capabilities.  Use of chemical weapons is a violation of International Law and America, the UK Government, France and Turkey have been discussing a military response, with rumours of support from Israel, yet Russia, China and Iran standing firmly against.

In my view David Cameron went to Parliament too early to ask for MP's support to back force if necessary.  The vote against him will now make it all the more difficult for Britain to do so, should that become the right thing to do in the future.

Ed Miliband wrote to me yesterday stating what the Labour Party will need to be sure of before making a decision to support the use of force:

1) We must let the UN weapons inspectors do their work and report to the UN Security Council;

2) There must be compelling and internationally-recognised evidence that the Syrian regime was responsible for the chemical weapons attacks;

3) The UN Security Council should debate and vote on the weapons inspectors' findings and other evidence. This is the highest forum of the world's most important multilateral body and we must take it seriously;

4) There should be a clear legal basis in international law for taking military action to protect the Syrian people;

5) Any military action must be time limited, it must have precise and achievable objectives and it must have regard for the consequences of the future impact on the region.

I agree with Ed's requirements and I think he was right in the debate to say he does not rule out supporting the Prime Minister.    However, it would seem last night's defeat for the Government could see a stark change in how Britain responds to international atrocities.  From being a key player during the last century and the start of the 21st century, yet now moving towards the side lines.

For Britain it would seem military support has been kicked into the long grass.  However, I urge the Conservative led government to lead on bringing this moral outrage to a swift resolution.  Reach out to the Arab League, re-negotiate the EU arms embargo and see what other sanctions can be put in place and most importantly engage with Russia and China.  If they will not consider backing a military response what are they prepared to do in response to this violation of international law?

Every possible avenue must be explored, we cannot stand idly by any longer, inadvertently condoning the use of chemical weapons.

DO NOT ENTER OPEN WATER

Yesterday a brother and sister of eleven and six years old nearly drowned at the weir near the Five Tunnels.

Thank goodness for the brave & swift action of the passers-by, who rescued both children from the water, had it not been for them I dread to think what would have happened.

The message has to be loud and clear to children and adults alike, do not enter open water. Let's learn from this near miss here in Redditch and from the other tragedies that have taken place around the country.  Despite the warm weather, trying to cool off or have fun in lakes, rivers & ponds means you are literally risking your life and endangering others around you.  This incident must serve as a warning to us all.

I know the spot well from childhood and having visited yesterday I could see evidence that the river bank is well used.  Alarmingly, remnants of ropes hang from the trees which suggest children have used rope swings to enter the water.  I've contacted the head of Community Services for an urgent site visit to see how we can make the area more safe.

The local council cannot hope to make open water a completely safe place, however where a serious near miss has occurred involving two children, action is required.  Whether it is a sign warning of the danger which may at least deter some, to cutting back the trees to eliminate the possibility of rope swings directly over the water, I would like to see the best course of action investigated and meaningful, prompt action.

Given that drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death for children, we must raise awareness that open water is a dangerous place.  Even for strong swimmers, the cold, hidden currents and reeds are just some of the reasons that people are drowning.

In addition I take children being able to swim very seriously.  Redditch Borough Council delivers free swimming to under sixteens & over 65's and I hope children and young people especially will come to Kingsley and the Abbey Stadium to swim safely and for free this summer.

 

The weir near the Five Tunnels

 

Read about the passers-by who saved the children

Redditch to the Royal

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary spokesperson said "When decision makers propose A&E and Maternity Services will no longer be available at the Alex they are condemning tens of thousands of people to supposedly travel to Worcester.  I want to demonstrate to them the difficulties in accessing Worcester Royal from Redditch".

If A&E and Maternity were closed at the Alex, people from Redditch and the surrounding areas are left with the real prospect of making their way to Worcester for the care they need.  To highlight how difficult this will be, Rebecca Blake challenged herself, her Labour Council colleagues and a group of hospital campaigners to use five different forms of transport to get from 'Redditch to the Royal'.

Sixteen people set off from the Alex at 11am to see how long it would take and how much it would cost  from 'Redditch to the Royal'.

Rebecca said "My team travelled by bus, while others travelled by car, train, taxi and bike.  From the Alex Hospital to Worcester Royal it was a long four hours and three buses.  I cannot imagine how stressful that would be if you were trying to get to someone who was poorly or you were heavily pregnant and not forgetting the three to four hour journey home that people without their own transport would have to make.

"Carol Pearce, pensioner from Woodrow, who is disabled did come along and found the direct bus had already left at 9.17 that morning and the next one was not until Monday morning!  It speaks volumes that pensioners and disabled people said they wanted to join us on the journey couldn't manage the ordeal.

"I suggest health bosses try the journey on public transport themselves, however just in case they do not have time I will present our video diary to them for their consideration before they close bread and butter services at the Alex and move them to Worcester".

Cllr Bill Hartnett travelling by taxi said "The final taxi fare was £26.48 for one way – I thought that is about what I spend on a weeks shopping bill. The journey took 41 minutes, Imran the Taxi driver was very efficient, however, who could afford attending regular appointments or visiting family or friends in Worcester Royal for £52.96 return?"

Redditch to the Royal

trailer 

feature length video diary    

 

 

Redditch to the Royal - Redditch Standard    Redditch to the Royal - Redditch Advertiser

 

 

 

We cannot afford indecision for the next four years on Britain's position in the EU

Rebecca said "When you consider that we have had the slowest growth since the Second World War, that we are not out of the woods in terms of a triple dip recession and that the government are borrowing nearly a quarter of a trillion more than they budgeted for, we need stability.  We cannot afford indecision for the next four years on Britain's position in the EU.

"To be credible in fighting for more jobs, investment and growth, we must show business at home and abroad that we do not voluntarily ostracise ourselves from the largest single market in the world.  Our best chance of reforming Europe is from within, not sniping at the side lines and threatening to take our ball home.

"To sum up my concerns I would quote what Lord Hesaltine said this year “To commit to a referendum about a negotiation that hasn’t begun, on a timescale you cannot predict, on an outcome that’s unknown, where Britain’s appeal as an inward investment market would be the centre of the debate, seems to me like an unnecessary gamble.”

 

When I speak to people on their doorstep each week, EU membership is rarely their top concern.  More often they want to speak to me about how we can ensure economic recovery so that the money in their pocket will go further and that their children or grandchildren will have better prospects than currently. 

When you consider that we have had the slowest growth since the Second World War, that we are not out of the woods in terms of a triple dip recession and that the government are borrowing nearly a quarter of a trillion more than they budgeted for, we need stability.  It's clear to me that the biggest challenge for our country is to kick start the economy not pulling out of Europe.  We cannot afford indecision for the next four years on Britain's position in the EU.  I do not support the backbench Bill because the instability puts jobs and growth at risk, at the worst time possible, that's not to say that I oppose a referendum in the future when we have worked at reforming the EU and we know what is on offer.

Interestingly, we have just had the County Council elections, where people had the chance to show their opposition to EU membership by voting UKIP.  Out of the seven UKIP candidates that stood in Redditch, two were elected.  Out of the eight Conservative candidates, only one was elected.  Yet Labour went from no seats to five.  The fact that the majority of people rejected the messages from Conservative and UKIP was encouraging.

I support our membership of the EU, however, that relationship must be improved.  There are legitimate concerns about our membership, such as the financial cost to us as a nation, which must reduce and immigration which needs to be better dealt with.  Labour's agenda is making the EU work better for Britain, delivering on jobs and growth.  I would like to see:

·         Further reform of the EU Budget.

·         An EU Commissioner for Growth appointed immediately to help tackle the jobs crisis in

Europe.

·         Reform of the transitional arrangements setting the terms for immigration from new 

member states.

·         Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy

·         Reform of payment of family related benefits to EU migrants

·         A call on the EU to collect data on EU migration flows

·         The second seat of the European Parliament in Strasburg abolished 

·         More powers for national parliaments to block EU legislation during formulation

 

Most people accept that we live in a more globalised world.  We know so many things cross borders, whether it be business, crime and most poignantly banking - financial markets.  It's in our nations interest to have cross border solutions in conjunction with our own. 

To be credible in fighting for more jobs, investment and growth, we must show business at home and abroad that we do not voluntarily ostracise ourselves from the largest single market in the world.  Our best chance of reforming Europe is from within, not sniping at the side lines and threatening to take our ball home.

In a time where the latest figures for Worcestershire show no noticeable change for economic growth or the numbers claiming out of work benefits or young people who are not in education, employment or training, more must be done to make the EU work for Britain, turning our back on the Union is not the answer.

The UK has 1% of the world's population, we contribute 3% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product).  It is not in our economic interest to marginalise ourselves from Europe, where 50% of our exports go.  At the same time that we see the rise  of the economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China, do we really think isolationism is what is best for our future prospects?  

To increase the job opportunities of our 18-24 year olds, for an economic recovery for all,  we need strong leadership in Europe to encourage investment into our country.  None of us need a Prime Minster who is putting the needs of his party before the needs of our country.

Redditch Backing the NHS

 

Yesterday people queued in the town centre to show their support for the NHS on its 65th Birthday.  A total of 380 people signed the giant birthday card during the four hour street stall.

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson said "From children, parents to grandparents and everyone in between, hundreds of people wanted to back the NHS.  Many people said how their lives had been saved by the NHS and wrote messages stating why the NHS was important to them.

"With the challenges we face at the Alex, it is particularly important that people have the opportunity to show their support for the NHS.  We don't simply want to celebrate the past 65 years, we want to send a message that we still need it in the future.

"There were a minority of people who highlighted the problems they had experienced, whether it was accessing mental health services, a reduction in community services or at the hospital.  Making it clear to me that services need improving not cutting and staff need support, not this uncertainty about their jobs".

As well as signing the six foot birthday card, local residents shared their stories of why the NHS is important to them by writing a personal note to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health.  All responses and the card will be delivered to the Department of Health to show that Redditch not only backs services at the Alex, we also back the NHS - free at the point of use.

 

For more details Redditch Standard Redditch Advertiser

 

 

 



65th Anniversary of the NHS

"The NHS will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it" Bevan, 1948.

 

Sign the giant NHS birthday card on  the 65th anniversary of the NHS at the street stall near Three Cooks bakery in the town centre this Friday, 5th July 10.30 - 2.30.

 

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson said "After 65 years of the NHS it now faces unprecedented demand, A&E waiting times are at a nine year high and nationally 4000 nurses have been laid off.  I'm reminded of Bevan's words in 1948 when the then Labour Government created the NHS.  "The NHS will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it".

"We could be forgiven for taking our NHS for granted, however with A&E and maternity services currently under threat at the Alex, we certainly don't in Redditch.

"I am fearful for the future of our NHS and we have to fight for it.  I welcome people to come and back the NHS this Friday on the 65th anniversary by signing the giant NHS birthday card.  Not only is this a show of support for the service we receive as patients, but it's a show of support for the NHS staff".

 

 

Thanks to Harry and Kara, two of the helpers who have made the giant NHS birthday card.

"The situation in Redditch is in chaos and is a recipe for disaster"

 

Labour Shadow Health Minister brands Alex changes chaotic during public meeting

Rebecca Blake brought Shadow Health Minster Jamie Reed MP to Redditch to listen to local people's concerns on the future of the Alex.

Labour's Rebecca Blake and Jamie Reed MP were on the panel in a public meeting with Ian Dipple from the Save the Alex campaign.

Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Redditch, Rebecca Blake said "I brought Jamie Reed to Redditch to understand how the Tory-led Government's £3.4 billion reorganisation is affecting people in Redditch. 

"These unnecessary delays about whether A&E and Maternity services will remain at Redditch are putting existing services in jeopardy, let alone future services.

"The Conservative Government Minister snubbed residents a few weeks ago. He should have listened to local people. Trying to keep the problems at arms' length, saying it's nothing to do with us, is simply not good enough.

Labour's Jamie Reed spent an hour taking questions from people, then stayed on afterwards to hear people's individual concerns.  The Shadow Health Minster, Jamie Reed MP said "Around the country I am seeing the consequences of an ill thought through, un-mandated reconfiguration of the NHS.

"The situation in Redditch is in chaos and is a recipe for disaster. 

"Evidence suggests it’s not safe to take A&E out of a town like Redditch, at a time of rising admissions.

"Government Ministers must take responsibility."

Details from Redditch Standard

 

  

      

 

 



Redditch Women Supporting Race for Life

Arrow Valley Park was heaving with runners, joggers and walkers on Sunday.  All there to raise money for a cure for all cancers.  With over 1000 people taking part, all for the same cause it was certainly worthwhile.    

The worrying thing is that cancer is on the increase, however the silver lining is that we are now far more likely to survive cancer and it's incredible how far Cancer Research has come since the first race for life in 1994 progress so far

Funding for research is crucial and I was moved by people's stories.  Local sports personality 11 year old Libby Smith racing with SE Davis who together raised £2000, motivated by her aunty having cancer.  Cllr Brunner, walking for her Dad who recently died of Cancer.  Reading the messages on people's backs is very emotional, however, it also gives us another chance to remember the people we have lost.

For me, politics is important including where cancer is concerned.  I am very proud that the last Labour government achieved the target, that people suspected to have cancer by their GP were seen by a specialist within two weeks.  To increase cancer survival rates early diagnosis is key.  I worry about the effects upon cancer because of longer waiting times for GP's & longer waiting times to see specialists that people are now facing. 

Locally I campaigned for the Alex to have the county Radiotherapy Unit because people should not have to travel to Coventry for daily treatment, especially when they may be very ill.  I was disappointed Worcester Royal will have the facility instead of Redditch, however, to have provision closer than Coventry is a vast improvement.

Having walked Race for Life for the first time two years ago with my little brother and jogged this year, I am building up to beating my time next year.  I look forward to joining Redditch women again in the Redditch Race for Life 2014!

Sick of the sight of derelict buildings

 

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson has kicked off the debate on town centre development, amidst rumours surrounding the area around the train station.

Rebecca says "The train station is a gateway to our town.  Recently there have been many improvements in the area, including the pedestrian access, landscaping and artwork.  However, I am sick of the sight  of the derelict buildings next to the station, on Bromsgrove Road and Edward Street.

They give a negative image of our town and what's more some of these factories are part of our industrial heritage, yet have become a complete eyesore.  In the week that we have hosted the national bike tour, this is not how we want to greet our visitors.  For all of my life, many of these buildings have been in disrepair and this has been allowed to continue for far too long. 

I want to hear from local people on how they feel this part of our town should be developed.  And I will pass on their views to Redditch Borough Council for consideration". 

Local people and businesses have spoken to Rebecca sharing their concerns about this part of the town centre and that they want the area utilised.  If you would like to share your views on this area of town centre development, visit the website & complete the survey.

www.rebecca-blake.org.uk/survey or for a printed copy call 07529 964 840

For more info

Calls for Government Minister to sort out the mess at the Alex caused by the Department of Health

Ahead of today's Save the Alex rally at the hospital, Rebecca Blake, Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson states "the Government have created a confused landscape within the NHS resulting in a stalemate that puts the future of services at the Alex in jeopardy.

While service providers and GP commissioners fail to bring forward a second option, patients are left to wait longer and longer on trolleys in A&E and hospital staff continue to leave due to the relentless pressure and uncertainty. If these unnecessary delays continue much longer we will have very little services left to save. I'm calling for the Government Minister, who is visiting the Alex today, to sort out the mess at the Alex caused by the Department of Health.

The government set up GP led Clinical Commissioning Groups to buy our hospital services, part of the £3.5 billion reorganisation. The Commissioners want to buy services for patients yet they are being prevented, the new system isn't working. In times of unprecedented demand on the NHS this stalemate is damaging our hospital services.

I'm very cynical about who benefits from the delay and it certainly isn't patients. Whoever provides the services at the Alex, we mustn't forget we're fighting for A&E and maternity to remain in Redditch or I fear lives will be lost".

Universal Credit Hits Workers Hardest

The Government's flagship, Universal Credit, will start this month, rolling out until 2017.  It promises to be simpler and to reward people for going back to work. 

 

However, the Department for Work & Pensions acknowledge that 1.8 million main earners will be worse off if they take on extra hours under Universal Credit than they would have been previously and 300,000 second earners will also be penalised for taking on extra work.

 

Rebecca Blake, Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson stated "Unfortunately Universal Credit has failed before it started.  Not only is Universal Credit running late but it is £100 million over budget already.  And when benefits penalise people doing extra hours and working a second job it's those who work hard who are hit the most.  The benefits system does need changing.  For those who can work, the overhaul we need is a culture of people getting something for doing something rather than getting something for doing nothing.  However, Universal Credit is another example of the government saying one thing and doing another". 

 

The Coalition Government promised to protect the most vulnerable yet disabled people are set to be worse off under Universal Credit.  The decision to make claimants apply via the internet, excludes many people who may have never used a computer or do not have access to one and at the same time, Universal Credit will be paid monthly instead of fortnightly.  The reality of monthly payments will be that families who struggle to put food on the table already will now struggle for even longer periods.

Today's Budget is too little, too late

Rebecca Blake, Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson believes today's Budget is too little, too late. 

 

She commented "I ask people to judge the government on their actions and not their words. They talk about reducing borrowing, yet there will be nearly a quarter of a trillion pounds more borrowing than was planned. They said austerity cuts would be up until 2015, now they will continue to 2018. They forecast growth but the economy is flat lining. We need to kickstart the economy now, not in 12 months time or in two years time, in order to avoid a triple dip recession.

The Chancellor says he can only afford £3 billion on infrastructure projects in a couple of years time, but in a couple of weeks time he can afford to give the wealthiest 1% a £3 billion tax cut. We know where his priorities lie.

Labour would bring forward planned infrastructure spending to get construction workers back into employment and prioritise house building. Better to borrow to invest than what is currently happening, borrowing to pay for a failing plan.

It's the Chancellor's fourth budget, we're over half way through this Parliament and growth has been revised down yet again from 1.2% to 0.6%. We cannot have a recovery without growth.

I want to see action on jobs, to get people who can work into work. Nationally unemployment is rising. Last month in Redditch unemployment rose and Redditch had the largest increase in youth unemployment in Worcestershire. We cannot wait another year for action. If Labour were in power now, we would have a bankers bonus tax to guarantee a job for young people unemployed for over a year and for adults unemployed for two years".

Read more in our local press Advertiser Standard

Say No To Latest Proposal For The Alex

Rebecca Blake says "Worcestershire Acute Hospitals (WAHT) Trust have failed Redditch people again.  Nearly 55,000 people signed the Save the Alex petition to keep A&E and Maternity in Redditch and we must not settle for their downgrade.

I hope the second option from Birmingham, due to be announced in May/June time will prove that David Cameron's promise of health care being universally available will not be broken.  People must be able to get to their A&E and if it's in Worcester many cannot".

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust released their option for the Alex this week.  After nearly 14 months of deliberation and £1.3 million later, their offer is to downgrade A&E, Maternity & Children's Services.

If later this year, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust are chosen as the provider of services at the Alex, Redditch will lose A&E, lose maternity and lose a full paediatric service.  Worcester will have one A&E, while Redditch will only have a Minor Injuries Unit.  Worcester will have full Maternity, while Redditch will only have a Midwifery Led Unit.  The sickest children will have to go to Worcester or elsewhere, as Redditch will only have a Paediatric Assessment Unit. 

Rebecca has written to NHS Worcestershire and the Redditch & Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group stating this offer is not good enough and that the NHS needs to work together to produce the best services for Redditch, not make life difficult for other providers to put together alternative options.

Book your ticket for the Save the Alex public meeting tolearn more

 

 

Why do foster children not count?

Rebecca Blake, Labour's Parliamentary Spokesperson demands the government look again at the Bedroom Tax, which is penalising foster children, describing it as "unfair" and "confusing".

Rebecca says "The government claim one of the aims of Welfare Reform is greater fairness.  However, I cannot understand how it is fair to tax foster carers by claiming foster children do not count and that they do not need a bedroom".  

"We need more people to come forward to foster and charging existing foster carers around £14 per bedroom, despite it being used, is not the way to achieve this and is certainly not fair.  Given the government are looking again at how disabled people are being unnecessarily targeted, they must now look at how unfairly foster children will be affected".

"Another alleged aim is to simplify the benefits that people receive.  I believe people are more confused than ever.  Frequently questioning whether they will or will not have to pay the new Bedroom Tax.  Mrs Lumley claimed last week in the Standard that foster carers would be exempt, however, the Fostering Network Charity say the discretionary housing fund is not ring fenced for foster carers and they are already concerned that they cannot continue.  It just goes to show, when the MP does not know who is affected by the bedroom tax, it is not easy to understand". 

 

Homelessness and overcrowding is making people's lives in Redditch a real misery

Rebecca says "Homelessness and overcrowding is making people's lives in Redditch a real misery. The 'bedroom tax' assumes that people who have a spare room can simply move to a smaller property, but in Redditch the reality is that we do not have those smaller properties to give.

Pressures on Councils and Housing Associations are at breaking point and the fundamental problem is that we need more affordable housing. When Labour were in government we did not build enough affordable housing and unfortunately the Conservative led government has since cut that budget by 60%. I urge the government to use the £3 billion windfall from the 4G sale to build 100,000 much needed affordable homes.

Taking Housing Benefit from people who can downsize is one thing, taking money away from people who have no viable alternative is quite another.

For people who cannot move, losing £18.31 a week could see families becoming homeless, that doesn't help them or the welfare bill. Under the Council's duty to families seeking Homeless status, figures were up 187% in 11/12 when compared to the year before".

For more info visit Bedroom tax will hit those already struggling to pay rent

Looking for a work experience placement?

Post: Work Experience Placement 3 hrs a week.
Duration: 6 months, March - September

Would you like to gain experience working with the Redditch Labour Parliamentary Candidate?

You should have an interest in making Redditch a better place to live, be organised and hardworking.

In return, you will gain skills in communication, campaigning and learn more about the challenges that affect everyday people's lives.

Applications to rebecca.blake@redditchlabour.org.uk

Please tell me about yourself (CV helpful, not necessary) and include a paragraph of approx 250 words on what you believe would make a good MP for Redditch.

Same Sex Marriage

If the majority of MP's support same sex marriage today, our country will have become an even fairer place to live in regards to equality of sexual orientation.  And how apt if this should happen during LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Gender) History Month.

In a relatively short time, we have achieved huge progress towards equality for gay and lesbian people.  The last Labour Government introduced civil partnerships, which I am immensely proud of, the age of consent was equalised, we made laws to protect LGBT people from being denied goods and services, scrapped the ban against serving in the forces and increased sentences for hate crimes to name a few changes that made our society fairer.  I am in no doubt these changes have underpinned where we are today, on the cusp of making same sex marriage law.

When Labour brought in civil partnerships, at that time I believed they addressed the appalling inequality that existed for same sex couples, where lifeIong partners had no legal status.  Nine years on, I can see how wrong it would be to deny people who wish to be married the right to do so based on their sexuality.

I am sorry that some religious groups at this stage do not feel they could offer same sex marriages, but I am optimistic about progress, although recognise it will take longer.  I commend the Quakers, Unitarians and Reform Judaism who will offer same sex marriages if the Bill becomes law.  Interestingly in the original Bill, the government proposed that all religious organisations would be banned from conducting same sex marriages, thanks to lobbying from Labour, churches now have a choice.

I speak to people who disagree with marriage changing, however, I feel very strongly that as our society changes we must have a response that is fit for purpose and as fair for all as possible.  In this case it is possible to go further and I hope Members of Parliament will support the Bill, which is supported by the majority of people.

Welfare spending must be reduced and the best way to do that is by getting people back to work

Today the government pushed through a bill that will see 7200 working families in Redditch have their Working Tax Credit cut.  Perversely the majority of the people affected by the cuts are in work.

These changes do not stimulate the economy, create a single job or take a single person off benefit.  Instead MP's voted for families on the lowest wages to pay for the cost of rising unemployment, costing this country an extra £13.6 billion.

Rebecca Blake, Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson said "I cannot find anyone who does not agree that welfare spending must be reduced.  The question is what is the most effective way to do it. 

Is it to get people off benefits by providing them with work?  Or is it to take Working Tax Credits away from those in work who are on low pay?

I've been speaking to many families who work, who will receive a real terms cut to Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Child Benefit.  They tell me that already with both parents working it's hard to make ends meet and some do not know how they will feed & clothe their children, especially with cuts to Working Tax Credits averaging £534 by 2015. 

They are angry that nothing is being done to get people who are out of work into work, while they are working hard.  Some families in low pay are working out that cuts to Working Tax Credits mean work no longer pays and they would be better off out of work and on benefits.  This cannot be right. 

The Government are increasing tensions between the low paid and the unemployed, however, in Redditch we have 3 people chasing every single vacancy.

The Government should use the £3 billion tax relief they now give on pensions for the top 2% of earners and use it to get the long term unemployed into compulsory jobs for 6 months.  This would get them off benefits and provide intensive support to find work.  Employers want jobseekers who have a work ethic and without tackling unemployment, long-term unemployment and stimulating the economy we will not bring down the cost of welfare".

Price Rises Are Unwelcomed Start to the New Year

I have had a number of complaints about the dire service from London Midland operating the Redditch train service.  For months now services have been cancelled without warning, leaving passengers stranded.

Despite assurances from the Department for Transport, some trains have still not been operating over the past week.

I was therefore shocked to learn this morning that London Midland have raised fares this year on a route where they are performing so poorly and recently had to give tickets away.

This year passengers will have to pay the average price hike of 4.2% on the 'anytime single' and a whopping 6.2% for the 'anytime return'.  This hits people who have no choice but to travel at peak times for work or to study.

I question how the Government can claim they have intervened by capping price hikes to around 4% but in Redditch, passengers will be subject to greater increases for their train travel than other parts of the country.

Nationally we have more people using the railways, which is essential to get people out of their cars and doing their bit for the environment.  Passengers must contribute to the cost of the railiways, however, these rises should not be higher for passengers who already have a sub standard service.  The unreliable service on this route is already putting people off using the train, a 6.2% increase in the fare adds insult to injury.

I will be doing everyting I can to defend Redditch train passengers who start the New Year not only getting a rough ride but too often they cannot get a ride at all!